Perception and Deception: A Spy Series
Full Cast Audiobook With Music and Sound Effects!
by Andrea Hintz
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Small Town Mystery
Based on the #1 Bestselling spy series! A full cast, cinematic-styled audiobook (or audio drama). Romance, action, suspense, and intrigue…a small town, grocery store owner’s simple life begins to teeter towards something perilous after a beautiful, undercover agent moves into town…
“This book is a definite page-turner. It has suspense, romance, intrigue, action. I was amazed by the research the author has done in describing how a secret organization with authorization to protect innocent civilians may possibly exist. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is a fiction-based-on-fact type of novel.” -David Lucero, Author
Note From the Author: Thank you Jesus for bringing me an incredible group of readers who have supported this series from the very beginning! -Andrea Hintz
Full Synopsis:
Ashton Mathis lives in a rural yet cliquey town in Vermont. As the owner of the town’s only grocery store, his life is successfully simple. But life begins to teeter towards something unusual after a strange yet beautiful woman named Felix moves into town. Swearing he will marry this girl someday, his pursuit of her proves to be successful…until she suddenly dumps him and he gets attacked in an alley. His rescuer is surprisingly Felix herself, revealing that she’s really a special agent for a top-secret division of the FBI and has blown her cover. Ashton suddenly finds himself thrown into a mission involving destructive weapons blueprints that could lead to worldwide catastrophe, running from the bad guys who are now after Felix and himself, and trying to win back the heart of this dangerous woman.
Cast Details: www.andreahintz.wixsite.com/andreahintz/audiobooksRated
PG. No inappropriate or sexual content. No foul language. Minimal violence. Fun for the whole family.
About the Author:
Andrea Hintz is a Christian first, fiction author, screenwriter, songwriter, video game writer, blogger, website designer, and audio engineer, driven to create adventure through various avenues of art. Andrea began college at the age of thirteen and graduated at seventeen with a Bachelor's degree. Her favorite projects at the moment include working on reading through the entire Bible, her books in the Perception and Deception series, her books in The Tesoro Series, her screenplay projects, her music, and her blog called Interviews With Professionals—where she interviews and showcases other professionals from various artistic industries. Explore her website to see the work she is most proud of.
Interview With the Author (Conducted by Silver Dagger Book Tours):
Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I was an avid reader growing up, generally never going anywhere without a book! I also have a very vivid imagination, so oftentimes, my brain goes on autopilot, and begins playing a story like a movie. These moments tend to hit me after prayer time, when I’m falling asleep in bed. I thoroughly enjoy this nighttime ritual, and have been doing this since I was super young. When I was a pre-teen, I had a strong desire to make a movie based off of my stories. Since I didn’t own a film production company at twelve-years-old, I decided to write a book. Now I’ve finally produced this full cast, cinematic styled audiobook, and feel as though the dream of bringing my stories to life have officially come to fruition.
What is something unique/quirky about you?
I always have to be working on multiple creative projects at once. One doesn’t prosper without the other, even if they have nothing to do with one another. That might include writing two books at once, or working on a book while I’m also working on a music project.
Who is your hero and why?
My hero is Jesus! He’s the ultimate example of strength, empathy, confidence, and grace. I strive to be like Him everyday, but fall short. But His example gives me something to strive toward, keeping me going in the right direction. My parents are also my heroes. They are Godly, work very hard for their family, are loyal to one another, and encourage me in everything.
What are you passionate about these days?
I’m really passionate about reading through the whole Bible. I’ve never read through the whole book yet, and my goal is to read through it many, many times in my lifetime. I heard someone say the other day that they read through the whole book every year. I would love to get there. I’m also passionate about time with family, friends, work, writing, audio production, and music. I’ve been blessed with a lot of exciting things in my life. Always foster those beautiful things, because they really help keep a person grounded through the storms.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
Definitely Perception and Deception: A Spy Series. Although, due to the structure and several storylines going on, it might make a better Netflix series than a movie. Tesoro: Secrets of the Hidden Treasure would make a great “fun for the whole family” adventure series on Disney+.
If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the characters?
All of the cast members of this audiobook should play the characters in the film - hands down!
What inspired you to write this book?
When I was a teen, I really had a thing for watching spy, FBI, espionage styled shows. And I was also a ridiculous romantic. Thank God I wrote some good romance stories while I still had my rose colored glasses on. So I combined the two, and dropped the story in a small town that loosely reminded me of where my parents grew up (and where I visited frequently over the years).
What can we expect from you in the future?
Probably working in new and exciting areas of storytelling. Maybe I’ll be working on a television series or movie the next time you hear from me.
Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?
Side stories that aren’t discussed in the books? I certainly do. There are lots of storylines that I’ve had in my mind all along as I write the series, and they’ll probably be discussed as the series progresses. For example, in Perception and Deception: A Spy Series, Juro has had a very complicated love life. And although it’s implied a couple of times, it’s something that will need to be discussed at length eventually. Ashton also had a lot of strange encounters as a kid that ultimately hinted toward his unusual present. Some of these memories will prove to be crucial as he navigates his current, strange world (specifically in book six).
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Perception and Deception: A Spy Series?
There’s a little something for everybody! You’ve got experienced intelligence from Felix, kindness and confidence from Ashton, tough love from Juro, and fatherly / grandfatherly care from Wolf. A lot of readers comment on the great chemistry between the characters, especially as the series progresses.
How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?
I loved spies and romance, so I wanted to combine the two. Plus, as a kid, the idea of growing up to become a spy author seemed so incredibly cool to me - almost prestigious. As an adult, it just feels fun, and is a great escape from day-to-day issues. I was sixteen-years-old when I wrote the first book (that was a long time ago). Felix, the main spy character, was who I wanted to be when I grew up. Emotionally solid, patient, empathetic, trustworthy, an advocate for justice, can stand up for herself with ease, and is overall just a really cool woman. Ashton was my version of an emotionally healthy romantic partner. He pursues what he wants, has unending loyalty toward the people he loves, doesn’t hide his feelings, is gentle, emotionally solid, and can stand up for himself with ease. Juro was added spur of the moment - he wasn’t in the original outline. With Felix and Ashton being generally kind, somewhat gentle people, I felt there needed to be more tension in the story. Someone who was jaded, sometimes impatient, a little dark - but ultimately has a really good heart under all of that. The voice actor, Jarrad, mentioned that he’s the sort of character who seemed to have experienced his own hero’s story before the book began, and I couldn’t agree more.
What are some of your favorite moments in the audiobook?
Some of my favorite moments are when Ashton (voiced by Chris Lovejoy), Juro (voiced by Jarrad Biron Green), and Felix (voiced by Andrea Hintz) are interacting. The personalities they portray are so very different, making their conversations quite intriguing, and oftentimes quite entertaining, as they try to learn how to work together. Wolf was inspired by those mentoring, wise men you see in a lot of movies (think the butler in Batman). I created Wolf (voiced by Tod Walker) because I needed someone who would gently, yet firmly, keep Felix on track, especially since she’s not quite operating at 100% since a mission went bad prior to the book. He’s a source of healing and empathy for her, and Tod Walker really knows how to emanate this in his tone. Gary (voiced by Ollie Sloan) is Ashton’s longtime best friend, and initially acts as his wise, mentoring, almost older brother styled confidante. Ashton was meant to be young and somewhat new to the world of dating, so adding an experienced Gary in there to encourage him in making the right choices was vital in moving the story along. Gary has a very interesting, deep, almost brooding tone to his voice (really cool). So when he delivers a comedic line, it packs a lot more punch. Janice (voiced by my own mom, Annette Hintz) has a very strong, motherly influence on the main characters in this book (specifically Felix and Ashton). I felt it was important to have someone like her to guide these young adults, and advocate for them. And Janice also serves as a healing source for Felix as well, as she’s able to give Felix a taste of a good, normal life in a seemingly charming small town. You can’t help but love every single one of the actors in this audiobook - you’ll feel like you’re having real conversations with these incredible people, and it will touch your heart in unexpected ways. It’s been an absolute honor to work with the entire cast, because they are even more cool and amazing in real life.
Where did you come up with the names in the story?
Ok, so first and foremost, one of the main ways I find names are by searching for “baby names” on Google. Felix (the main character’s codename) was found this way. I saw Felix. Loved it. Wrote the story without giving it a second thought. I really thought it was a unisex name, but as the years went on, and I met several people named Felix, I slowly learned that it’s primarily a male name. My bad. Not changing it. What’s done is done! Hahaha The name Faith (Felix’s real name) is based on my Christian faith, and is the name the main character is known by for the remainder of the series. Her name is a reminder for me to always keep the faith, which is an element integrated throughout the entire series. I chose Ashton because we have a lot of “A” names in my family, so I thought it would be fun to keep the tradition alive in my fictional world. Juro is from Japan, and I wanted a really cool sounding codename of Japanese origin. After doing a lot of Google searching, this was the name I ultimately liked best. Unlike Felix, he maintains going by his codename for the remainder of the series (for his own privacy reasons). Wolf was based off of a conversation I had with my brother about the character at the time. We were a couple of teenagers sitting around, playing video games, and I was telling him about my book. I can’t remember if I came up with Wolf, or if he did, but we mutually agreed there needed to be a codename somewhere in the book named after an animal, like you hear in most spy movies (i.e. Eagle, Falcon). I thought “Wolf” sounded fierce and wise. Like someone experienced you could trust. Gary was named after a video game character from the game we were playing at the time. The rest of the names were ones I thought sounded cool after doing some baby name searches!
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
How much I fell in love with the characters. They end up feeling like old friends after awhile. And that feeling intensifies with each book that I write about them, even after all these years. Lots of endorphins when I’m telling their stories - almost like falling in love.
Tell us more about Felix - what makes her tick?
Felix is a bit troubled when we first meet her in book one. We quickly learn that she joined the agency at an unusually young age. She was an over-achieving, success machine, right before she had a mission go wrong a few months prior. And now she’s finding herself lagging behind in her work as she’s processing a lot of feelings from the incident. As the series progresses, she regains her confidence and strength, and by book three, she’s back to full, 150% strength – maybe even stronger than before. Readers comment on this gradual character development, and seem to really enjoy her personal journey overall. What makes her tick is her desire to never allow anything bad to happen again. It really drives her to make better decisions, and push herself far (perhaps too far) with each of her missions. And once Ashton is thrown into the mix, concerns for his safety fuel her determination more than ever.
Who designed your book covers?
For the regular book covers (not the audiobook) Mom and I collaborated on the concepts for books one and four, which I feel are the strongest book covers of the entire series. She said I should use an eye on the first cover, and helped me with the suitcase concept on the fourth. I designed book covers two and three. As for the audiobook cover, I purchased an image for Felix, then added the sunglasses, made the lipstick brighter, and changed her clothes. For Ashton, I drew him digitally. There were several variations of this audiobook cover, and I couldn’t choose. So I prayed, and was blessed with the help of about 200-250 avid audiobook listeners. They provided feedback, and I continued to make several changes until the majority voted an enthusiastic “YES!” on the cover.
If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?
Apple cinnamon and new paint. Because that’s how Felix’s home smells in Chapter 1.
Fun Facts/Behind the Scenes/Did You Know?
It took two years to produce this audiobook. None of the actors recorded in the same room, or at the same time, even though we all have great chemistry and sound like we were really talking to each other. In reality, we were talking to ourselves in our own homes. Sometimes, it surprises me how in sync everyone sounds. That was a huge blessing, and really shows how talented the cast is.
What book do you think everyone should read?
The Bible.
Do you see writing as a career?
Absolutely. And as a hobby. And a passion.
What do you think about the current publishing market?
I love that indie writers are being valued and recognized by amazing readers.
Do you read yourself, and if so, what is your favorite genre?
I tend to read The Bible, Christian books from Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer, and Young Adult fiction (comedy, mysteries, sci-fi, and feel good stories).
If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?
It would’ve been cool to write a book in The Bible based off of my personal account of Jesus (had I lived in that time and been invited to be a disciple).
Do you have any advice to offer for new authors?
YES. You can end up spending a lot more time marketing than actual writing. I’ve backed way off of overdoing marketing in the past couple of years, handed it to God, and now I’m doing better than ever in the way of sales. I can feel when God presses me to take action every once in awhile, so I do, then I let the book sit. Find that peace as early as possible. It makes the ride so much more enjoyable.
What makes a good story?
Deep characters with deep connections to one another. Good triumphing over evil every time. True love – whether it be romantic, familial, or friendly.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
I have a few tips right off the top of my head. Don’t let marketing and querying to literary agents take all the joy away from the gift God has given you. Write for your own joy. Glorify God in all that you do. Don’t fall into the traps of sacrificing your values to appeal to the masses, because you never have to. Find the audience who will appreciate your work as it is, then take their feedback to heart. Enjoy the reverent relationship between author and character. Not many people get to experience that. You’re unique and get to live whole extra lives during your time here on earth. Enjoy these things and thank God for them every single day. These things will help you get through the tough times.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Bonding moments between characters. Deep, personal conversations. Revealing of pasts. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Those moments are the best to write, and even more meaningful to read once I’m done. Go ahead and roll your eyes at me, but this is what it’s all about for me.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
A fine mixture of both. I’d say my later books were a little more fine-tuned to what the readers wanted, but I was always careful to never sacrifice my values.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
You lucky kid. You get to grow up to be exactly who you wanted to be. I’m jealous of you. In all seriousness though, I would say: “You’re a very blessed child of the most high God. The best things in your life will happen as long as you stay on this path of creativity. And everything you write now, the things that you feel aren’t good enough or sound immature because of your age…these things will end up being the most precious to you years down the road. You’re a wise little teenager, and you regularly give the confused, adult version of yourself meaningful advice through your writing. It turns out, you do understand this whole life thing pretty well. Enjoy this special time thoroughly and thank God for it everyday.”
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
I can write the first draft in about 4-12 weeks, depending on how busy I am at the time. Then I take the following steps:
-Let the book sit for a couple of months.
-Edit it myself multiple times.
-Have an editor review it.
-Wait several weeks.
-Send it out to my beta readers.
-Wait several weeks.
-Apply feedback as applicable.
-Publish.
By the time it’s all said and done, I invest a total of 6-12 months for each book.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
Absolutely. And my main fix is to take a hiatus and catch up on time with God, watch some sermons, watch my favorite old sitcoms, watch some new shows, work on a new or different creative project. Writing will always come back whenever it’s supposed to. Don’t stress about it.
Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.
If you love action, adventure, romance, and a touch of comedy, you really can’t go wrong with this audiobook. And I can guarantee listening to this audiobook will make the dishes go ten times faster. I know from personal experience.
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